Modular Lock with Interchangeable Bolt Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks lack versatility and flexibility, requiring separate locks for different functions such as gate entrances, plant doors, and emergency escape doors, leading to increased inventory, research, and manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple lock types and key management.
Innovation Solution
A modular lock design with interchangeable components, including latch bolts, restriction bolts, deadbolts, and core mechanisms, allowing for various functions like latch bolt locking, emergency unlocking, and long-travel deadbolt operation, which can be customized for different applications without replacing the entire lock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate locks are used for different functions (gate entrances, plant doors, emergency escape doors), then each lock can be optimized for its specific function, but inventory cost, research cost, and manufacturing cost increase due to the need for multiple lock types and key management
Solution Approach 1:
The lock case is designed with multiple recesses (latch bolt recess, restriction recess, deadbolt recess) that can accommodate different locking components. The standardized installation recess and positioning walls allow various modules (latch bolt, restriction bolt, deadbolt) to be interchangeably installed in the same case, enabling a single lock design to serve multiple functions including gate entrance locking, plant door locking, and emergency escape door locking, thereby reducing inventory requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate locks are used for different functions, then each lock can be optimized for its specific function, but research cost and manufacturing cost increase due to the need for multiple lock types
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is divided into modular components: a base case with standardized recesses and positioning walls, and interchangeable locking modules (latch bolt module, restriction bolt module, deadbolt module). Each module can be manufactured independently and then assembled into the case. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of the case and individual modules, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing entirely different lock designs for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized installation recess and positioning wall design create a universal mounting interface that accepts various locking modules. This universality eliminates the need to redesign the entire lock for different applications, as the same case can accommodate different modules through standardized positioning features, thereby reducing research and manufacturing costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing locks are amended to add functions, then some functionality can be improved, but the lock structure becomes more complex and may require complete replacement rather than modification
Solution Approach 1:
The lock is segmented into a base case containing standardized recesses and positioning walls, and separate interchangeable locking modules. This segmentation allows new functions to be added by simply replacing or combining modules rather than modifying the base case structure. For example, to add deadbolt functionality, a deadbolt module is inserted into the deadbolt recess without altering the case design, thereby avoiding structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized positioning walls and installation recess create a universal interface that allows various locking modules to be interchangeably installed. This universality enables function expansion through module combination rather than structural amendment to the base case, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatile functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A lock with replaceable modules includes a first part and a second part which is connected to the first part. The lock has a latch bolt recess, a restriction recess and a deadbolt recess so as to selectively install a latch bolt, a restriction bolt and a deadbolt. A lock block is selectively installed in the restriction recess. The lock includes an installation slot which can be selectively oriented in different directions, and a core recess for receiving the deadbolt. The lock is selectively installed with different components by features of modularization and normalization so as to reduce inventory pressure. The customers may install the lock to entrance doors, gate doors, storage room doors, emergency doors, room doors, bathroom doors or the like.